This November, audiences are in for a cinematic treat as Guillermo del Toro unveils his long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein, a film that promises to breathe new life into Mary Shelley’s timeless tale. Written and directed by the visionary filmmaker known for Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, this gothic science fiction epic stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz, bringing a stellar ensemble to a story that has captivated imaginations for over two centuries. Set for a global release on Netflix, with a prestigious premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and a North American debut at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, Frankenstein is poised to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. As of 09:40 AM +07 on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the buzz around this project reflects del Toro’s personal passion and the promise of a deeply emotional narrative that reimagines a classic monster story.

Del Toro has harbored a fascination with Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus since childhood, calling it a story that has “fused with my soul” over 50 years. His version, unlike many horror-centric adaptations, aims to explore the emotional and tragic dimensions of Shelley’s novel, focusing on the complex relationship between creator and creation. Oscar Isaac takes on the role of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the brilliant yet arrogant scientist whose obsession leads him to defy nature. Jacob Elordi portrays the Creature, a towering figure brought to life through Victor’s experiments, bringing a fresh and sympathetic interpretation to the monster. Mia Goth plays Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s fiancée, adding a layer of human connection to the unfolding drama, while Christoph Waltz appears as Harlander, a character who adds intrigue to the narrative. The cast is rounded out by talents like Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Christian Convery, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this gothic world.

Filming for Frankenstein began on February 12, 2024, in Toronto, with principal photography wrapping on September 30. The production then moved to Scotland, capturing exteriors at the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and Burghley House in Lincolnshire, infusing the film with a hauntingly authentic atmosphere. Del Toro has emphasized that the movie will not lean into traditional horror but will instead offer an “incredibly emotional story,” a vision supported by composer Alexander Desplat, who promises a lyrical and evocative score. The decision to film in diverse locations reflects del Toro’s intent to blend the decayed beauty of ruins with the grandeur of creation, a theme he sees as central to the gothic romance genre. This approach is evident in the teaser trailer, which showcases Victor’s laboratory amidst crumbling structures, hinting at the clash between ambition and destruction.

The casting process evolved over time, with early talks in 2023 involving Andrew Garfield for the role of the Creature. However, scheduling conflicts due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes led to Jacob Elordi stepping in, a move that has excited fans given his recent breakout roles in Saltburn and Priscilla. Elordi’s physical presence—standing at 6’5”—and his ability to convey both rage and sadness, as noted by Isaac, make him a compelling choice for the monster. Isaac, known for Ex Machina and Inside Llewyn Davis, brings a nuanced intensity to Victor, a role he accepted after a casual conversation with del Toro turned into a life-changing offer. Goth, a rising star in horror with X and MaXXXine, adds depth as Elizabeth, while Waltz, with his experience in Inglourious Basterds, enhances the film’s dramatic stakes as Harlander.

The plot draws from Shelley’s 1818 novel, focusing on Victor’s experiment to reanimate a corpse, a process that spirals into tragedy for both him and his creation. The teaser trailer, released in May 2025 during Netflix’s Tudum event, opens with Isaac’s voiceover: “I had a vision, an idea took shape in my mind: inevitable, unavoidable, until it became truth.” This sets the tone for a story that explores the moral and emotional consequences of playing God. Elordi’s Creature is depicted as a towering, shrouded figure, his makeup process a grueling hours-long endeavor that Goth praised for its transformative effect. The film’s runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes suggests a sprawling narrative, with del Toro blending elements from the novel and the 1935 Bride of Frankenstein, aiming for a “Miltonian tragedy” that he feels has yet to be fully realized on screen.

Del Toro’s vision departs from the horror tropes of earlier adaptations, drawing inspiration from Christopher Lee’s portrayal of the monster’s emptiness in Hammer films rather than Boris Karloff’s tragic archetype. He has described the project as a personal autobiography, reflecting on fatherhood and sonhood, themes that resonate with the Creature’s quest for acceptance and Victor’s hubris. The inclusion of characters like a young Victor (Christian Convery) and a Blind Man (David Bradley) nods to the novel’s emotional beats, while the addition of Waltz’s Harlander hints at new subplots. This approach has sparked curiosity about how del Toro will balance fidelity to the source material with his signature stylistic flourishes, such as the lush visuals seen in The Shape of Water.

The film’s production faced delays, including a two-week postponement in early 2024, but the crew’s dedication shone through. Behind-the-scenes photos reveal Isaac in 18th-century attire addressing a lecture hall and Elordi cloaked in a hood, offering tantalizing glimpses of the gothic aesthetic. The choice of Netflix as the distributor, following del Toro’s multi-year deal, ensures a wide reach, though some lament the lack of a theatrical release for such an ambitious project. The premiere at Venice, followed by Toronto, positions Frankenstein as a festival darling, with a Golden Lion nomination adding to the hype. Fans are already debating its awards potential, given del Toro’s track record with Pinocchio’s Oscar win.

Reaction to the cast and concept has been mixed but largely enthusiastic. Isaac has called Elordi’s performance “spellbinding,” while Goth described the film as “incredibly epic yet deeply personal,” aligning with del Toro’s intent. Social media buzz highlights excitement for the star power and del Toro’s reputation, though some express concern about the monster’s sympathetic portrayal straying too far from horror roots. The November release, timed near Halloween, adds to the anticipation, though del Toro has clarified it won’t rely on jump scares, focusing instead on emotional resonance.

Frankenstein represents a culmination of del Toro’s career-long obsession, a project he’s pursued for over two decades. His admiration for Shelley, expressed in a 2018 BAFTA speech, underscores the film’s personal stakes. For Isaac, it’s a banquet of acting challenges; for Elordi, a chance to redefine a classic role; for Goth, a step into grand storytelling; and for Waltz, another collaboration with a visionary. As November approaches, the film promises to deliver a gothic tale that’s as much about human connection as it is about monstrous creation, inviting viewers into a world where beauty and tragedy coexist. For fans of del Toro’s work and Shelley’s legacy, this adaptation is shaping up to be an unforgettable journey.